Tag Archives: Zimmerman

None of us have heard all the story yet about the death of Trayvon Martin. I am bothered by the push to label this a racially motivated attack by a white on a black. I am bothered that the photos of the 17 year old 6’2″ football player show a much younger kid. I am bothered by the assumptions which have gone forth which serve no real purpose other than to turn up the hate and racial division in this country and reenforce bigotry against whites.

It does display racism, racism against white Americans. I am not defending George Zimmerman, but I am saying people are quick to jump on something if it matches their world view or bigotry. Even as it has come out that Zimmerman is hispanic, white fits the story better, generates more hate, and that is what they will go with.

Would we send an innocent man to jail to appease an angry mass of people? Isn’t that exactly what people say happened against blacks in the south? Is that justice?

Let’s wait and see what facts come out before people start sending death treats to the police chief or vowing revenge against whites, or Rush Limbaugh, or people who had nothing to do with it.

Some things to consider.

Neighborhood Watch is in essence security, and as such, the main way to stop crimes is to be seen. To follow someone you find suspicious or to confront them is not outside the norm by any stretch. If you follow someone, or confront them, and they attack you, you have the right to defend yourself. Given the nature of the crimes that had taken place in the area, it was not unreasonable to give attention to the stranger passing through. I do believe that these crimes had played a role in creating this mess. If Martin did attack Zimmerman, Zimmerman did have the right to defend himself even if Martin was unarmed.

Why Zimmerman had a gun I do not know. It should not have been his first, last, and only line of defense. I don’t know what if any identification Zimmerman had to identify his role. Neighborhood Watch or security is of little use if people do not know who you are. The Guardian Angels wear their red berets and jackets to identify themselves readily and to increase visibility. Again, visibility is itself a strong deterrent.

I am deeply saddened that Trayvon Martin was killed. I am grieved by the whole situation on many levels.

I have not made a judgement here, but emotion has taken over and we have a lynch mob ready to strike. We have people who much like the whites in Rosewood are ready to strike out regardless of the facts because it fits their prejudice. Racism is wrong, no matter where it comes from, and the handling of this whole situation is sickening.

Are we looking for justice? Are we seeking truth? Or are we looking to promote racism and division? Do we want equality, or are we going forward with Professor Bell’s brand of racism?